EU Affairs
MEP calls for policies to stem migrant flows
By MaltaMedia News
Jul 11, 2007 - 2:13:07 PM

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary session, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Simon Busuttil said that the European Union’s policy favouring the development of the African continent, which could in the long run decrease the influx of illegal immigrants reaching the continent, has failed.  

 “This long-term policy must complement an immediate and urgent one which will strengthen the fight against illegal immigration and the criminal web backed by persons exploiting the hardship of illegal immigrants,” urged Simon Busuttil.  

“We have seen the boats used by these illegal immigrants to make it across the Mediterranean Sea. They are all the same size, all with the same engine – it is shocking and shameful. The boats are loaded with a maximum of 30 persons and with the slightest picking of the wind and waves, these boats sink,” continued the MEP.  

MEP Simon Busuttil also mused about the net profit of around $30,000 made by persons arranging a voyage for 30 illegal immigrants, and whether this is being used to finance terrorism.  

Speaking of a recent visit he paid to the Ħal Far detention centre along with other members of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats (EPP-ED), he said that a 17-year-old Nigerian boy expressed his wishes to reach Europe. “However, he said that facing detention is a brighter prospect than being sent back to his country of origin, showing that our policies for the African continent have failed,” said MEP Busuttil.

Read more about this issue in MaltaMedia’s Special Feature Lanċa Ġejja u Ohra Sejra.